New Jersey residents concerned about flooding after heavy rainfall
LODI, New Jersey (WABC) -- Heavy rain and strong gusts of wind left parts of the Tri-State area drenched Sunday.
A number of residents in Fairfield, New Jersey have already moved their cars to higher ground in anticipation of the water level continuing to swell overnight.
Yards are already submerged -- especially those hugging the Passaic River, which is known for overrunning its banks. Thankfully, catastrophic flooding is not expected.
Those who have lived in the area for decades and have weathered much rose, tell Eyewitness News they are prepared.
Karen Telli explains that FEMA raised her house to a second-level 17 years ago, so now she doesn't sweat it, because she knows her house will be dry, Even her air conditioner outside her house has been mounted up on the second-level so it won't get ruined.
"They elevated me way above base flood level. I'm self-contained upstairs -- it's wonderful," Telli said.
Meanwhile, earlier Sunday, the City of Lodi was left inundated after steady, pounding rain flooded parts of the community Saturday night turning streets into small rivers.
The impact left several vehicles submerged and basements under water.
"Every time that there is rain, I'm worried about flooding and all that," said Mary Jean Baretto, a Lodi resident. "It's all worries, all the time."
For former residents, the flooding reminds them why they decided to move from the flood prone area.
"We had five kids in the apartment and all the time it was very difficult, so we moved," said Aleandra Sandoval, a former resident of Lodi.
Back in January, the Saddle River crested and overflowed into the streets, leaving homes flooded and forcing residents to evacuate.
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